Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial facts for kids
The Stone of Hope at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
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 Location in Central Washington, D.C.
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 38°53′10″N 77°2′39″W / 38.88611°N 77.04417°W |
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| Location | 1964 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. |
| Designer | Lei Yixin |
| Material | White granite |
| Height | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Beginning date | 2009 |
| Completion date | 2011 |
| Opening date | August 22, 2011 |
| Dedicated to | Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Website | Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial |
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a special monument in Washington, D.C.. It honors Martin Luther King Jr., a very important leader. He led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The memorial is located in West Potomac Park, near the National Mall.
The memorial covers about 4 acres (1.6 hectares). Its main part is a huge statue of Dr. King. It's called the Stone of Hope and was carved by Lei Yixin. The idea for the memorial comes from Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. In it, he said: "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." The memorial opened on August 22, 2011. It took over 20 years to plan, raise money, and build.
This memorial is very special. It is one of the first major memorials in Washington, D.C., to honor an African American. It is also one of only a few memorials for non-presidents. The National Park Service (NPS) takes care of the memorial.
Contents
Building the Memorial: A Look at Its History
The idea for a memorial to Dr. King started soon after he passed away. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968. But it took many years to make the dream a reality. Official efforts began in 1986. That's when the U.S. Congress said a memorial could be built. It would honor Dr. King's life and achievements.
Choosing the design was a big job. More than 90 different ideas were sent in. The final design was picked in 2004. It was created by the famous sculptor, Lei Yixin. Construction started in 2008 and finished in 2011. The whole project cost about $120 million. This included the statue, landscaping, and other improvements. The memorial was officially opened on August 22, 2011. This was a very important day for American history.
Where to Find the Memorial
The memorial's address is 1964 Independence Avenue SW. The number "1964" was chosen on purpose. It refers to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This law was a huge step forward for civil rights. Dr. King played a big part in making it happen.
The memorial is on a 4-acre (1.6-hectare) site. It's in West Potomac Park, next to the Tidal Basin. It is also close to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. The memorial helps create a "line of leadership." This line connects the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial. Dr. King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Design and Meaning of the Memorial
The memorial's design is very powerful and full of meaning. The main part is a huge 30-foot-tall statue of Dr. King. It was carved from a single piece of Georgia granite. Using granite from Georgia is important. Georgia has a rich history, and the granite shows Dr. King's strength.
The statue shows Dr. King thinking deeply. He is looking towards the horizon. This symbolizes his vision for a better future.
Around the statue, there are four large walls. On these walls are 14 famous quotes from Dr. King. These quotes show his main ideas. They speak about justice, equality, peace, and hope.
Here are some of the inspiring quotes on the Inscription Wall:
- "We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." (March 31, 1968, National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.)
- "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." (1963, Strength to Love)
- "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." (December 10, 1964, Oslo, Norway)
- "Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in." (April 18, 1959, Washington, D.C.)
- "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." (April 16, 1963, Birmingham, Alabama)
- "I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits." (December 10, 1964, Oslo, Norway)
- "It is not enough to say 'We must not wage war.' It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but on the positive affirmation of peace." (December 24, 1967, Atlanta, Georgia)
- "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." (February 25, 1967, Los Angeles, California)
- "True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice." (April 16, 1963, Birmingham, Alabama)
The memorial also has a "Stone of Hope." This is a large, smooth granite stone. It sits at the bottom of the statue. This stone shows the hope and positive spirit Dr. King had throughout his life.
Nature is also a big part of the design. There are trees, water, and beautiful gardens. These elements make the area calm and peaceful. Visitors can think about Dr. King's life and work here. The landscaping fits perfectly with the memorial's architecture. This makes the whole space look beautiful and meaningful.
Impact and Legacy of the Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a very important place in Washington, D.C. Millions of people visit it every year. It reminds everyone of Dr. King's fight for civil rights and fairness. The memorial is more than just a place to see. It's a place to learn, think, and feel inspired.
The memorial's impact goes beyond its physical location. It has become a symbol of hope for people worldwide. It inspires those who are fighting for equality and justice. The memorial's design and meaning touch people from all backgrounds. It is truly a global symbol of peace and coming together. The memorial's lasting legacy shows how powerful Dr. King's message was. It also shows why we must keep working for equality and justice.
The memorial is also a great place for learning. Many schools and groups use it for educational trips. These programs help students and visitors learn about Dr. King's life and work. They learn in a way that is meaningful and interesting. The memorial offers guided tours and interactive exhibits. These make the learning experience even better.
The memorial also helps the community. It has become a place for community events and celebrations. The open space and calm feeling make it a welcoming place for everyone. The memorial is easy to access and welcomes all people. This makes it a valuable part of the community.
Facts and Figures
- Height of the statue: 30 feet (9.1 meters)
- Weight of the statue: about 30,000 pounds (13,600 kg)
- Cost to build: about $120 million
- Date it opened: August 22, 2011
- Visitors each year: Millions
- Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
- Material of the statue: Georgia granite
- Designer: Lei Yixin
- Congress approved it: 1986
- Construction started: 2008
- Construction finished: 2011
Artists Who Helped Create the Memorial
Many talented artists helped design and build the memorial:
- Lei Yixin, the main sculptor
- Wang Xiangrong, a sculptor from Dingli Stone Carving
- Nicholas Benson, who designed and carved the quotes
- Bob Fitch, a photographer whose picture of Dr. King inspired the statue's pose
Images for kids
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The Stone of Hope at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
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Dr. King giving his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963
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Aretha Franklin speaking at the memorial's dedication. President Barack Obama is seated nearby.
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President Obama speaking at the dedication ceremony.
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Map showing the memorial's location near the National Mall and Tidal Basin
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Sheryl Crow and Stevie Wonder performing at the dedication concert
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Hats given to people who attended the dedication ceremony
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Guests listening to President Obama's speech during the dedication
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Sculptor Lei Yixin's signature on the memorial
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Lei Yixin's signature
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a Martin Luther King, Jr. para niños
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
- Civil rights movement in popular culture
- List of memorials to Martin Luther King Jr.
- List of national memorials of the United States
